Sympathy

Rosanna’s house was beautiful before the earthquake
and fire destroyed it. The smoke did the most damage to Rosanna’s house.

Rosanna lives in a small community in the mountains of
Pennsylvania and works at a local zoo. The animals there love her. She is
caring, kind, and speaks softly to them. All the animals she takes care of look
forward to her visits. There is a special bond between her and the animals,
from tigers and monkeys, to horses and cats. The petting zoo has cats, dogs,
goats, and other animals, even a huge tortoise. In the zoo, you can find a wide
variety of animals.

The zoo rotates the zoo keepers so they can interact
with all the animals. For a few weeks she will work with the African animals
and then for a while she can feed and show love to North and South American
animals. In this way, her job is more interesting and all the animals get to
appreciate her tender loving care.

Rosanna had worked at the zoo for a few years when the
earthquake hit. The earthquake was not a hard one but it broke a propane line.
This started a fire in her kitchen. Luckily, she was home at the time. The
shaking of her bed woke her. She lie there waiting to see if it would happen again. The smoke detector startled her into action. She
snatched her phone and ran down the stairs to smoke and flames. She dialed 911.

Quickly the fire engulfed the kitchen creating a
dense smoke. She grabbed the bird cage that held, Molly, her parakeet. Molly’s
cage was near the sliding back door close to the fire.

Rosanna stood in the dark cool night waiting for the
fire department. In her hand she held Molly. She had taken Molly out of the
cage because she was not moving. Molly had breathed in too much smoke. Tears streaked
down Rosanna’s face. “Not Molly!” she moaned.

Molly had been her pet and friend for years.

Her heart ached for this sweet mimic. Rosanna had
taught her to speak. Molly learned how to say, “Hello.” “Pretty girl.” “Good morning.”
“Love you.” She whistled when she wanted attention and Rosanna was quick to
give her some. Rosanna often carried her on her shoulder around the house.
Molly liked to watch television with Rosanna.

Soon, the fire trucks and paramedics arrived. She ran
to the paramedics and asked them if they could help her with Molly. Sadly, they
didn’t have equipment for such a small animal. Molly lay limp in Rosanna’s hand
but she would not put her down.

Later, she went to a friend’s house to finish the long
night. Susan, Rosanna’s friend greeted her with a hug. “Here Rosanna, put Molly
in this shoe box. I have some pretty pink tissue paper you can wrap her in.”

“Thank you.” Rosanna tenderly wrapped Molly and placed
her in the shoe box.

“I have the guest room all ready for you with a pair
of PJ’s and some toiletries in the bathroom for you. I put a set of clothes in
the drawer for tomorrow. You can stay as long as you need. You don’t need to set
the alarm clock. Get up after you have rested. I already called work for you
and left them a message.”

Susan pulled Rosanna into a warm hug and then led her
to the spare room. On the night table were a plate of cookies and a pot of tea.
“Would you like a hot bath before your tea or after?”

Rosanna smiled for the first time. “You really are a
dear. You thought of everything.” I think a bath first, I want to get out of
these smoky clothes.”

“Everything is ready for you. I left some lavender scented
bath liquid that will calm and sooth you. There is a bell on the night table
and you can ring for me if you need anything. Otherwise I’ll see you tomorrow.
I took the day off work so I can help you with anything you need.”

Susan patted Rosanna on her shoulder and left.

The bath felt wonderful and the tea was the way
she liked it. She nibbled on a cookie but didn’t finish it. Finally, she leaned
back against the pillow and slid into sleep.

The next day, she drove back to her burned house and buried
Molly in the back yard. She patted the ground and stood. The look of her house
was devastating.

Susan stood silently with her. She walked through the
disaster with Rosanna. When Rosanna talked Susan answered. Susan understood she
needed to be there for her but not to try too hard to make Rosanna feel better.
Rosanna would need to be loved while she went through the grieving process. The
loss over her friend Molly and the loss of her home was hard. Susan was there
for comfort and support.

Rosanna stood looking at the destruction. “I’ll need new clothes. Everything smells like
smoke. Want to go shopping with me?”

“Yes. New clothes are always fun to shop for.”

Rosanna smiled, reflecting Susan’s grin.

The next few days were spent talking to insurance
adjusters and shopping for items lost.

Susan helped Rosanna see the fun in life again and a
few times they laughed together.

“Susan, thank you for being a dear friend. You have
helped me more than you will ever know.”

A few days went by before Rosanna went to work. The
animals immediately sensed something was wrong. Rosanna picked up and hugged
one of the kittens. Buster, a dog that lived at the zoo but not behind bars but
as a pet, cocked his head at Rosanna. She sat on the floor and hugged him. The
tears started and she mumbled into his fur of the tragedy. He listened as only
animals can and whined a soft answer to her grief. She stood and patted his head
before going to work.

Buster told the cat and they both ran off to tell the
other animals the sad news. Soon, all the animals were grieving for their dear
friend Rosanna. Sad faces greeted her
and a gentle paw reached her at every cage she visited. Marty the orangutan
hugged her gently, careful not to hurt her. Even the free birds that roamed the
zoo heard the story. A huge black bird few and landed on her shoulder. The bird
rubbed her head lightly against Rosanna’s cheek and then flew off. The animals loved
her and were helping her by letting her know they loved her. She healed faster
because of their love for her.

Children, do you know anyone who has lost someone or
suffered a tragedy? That person will go through a grieving process. Everyone is
different as to how they process the loss. Some people get over it quickly but
others take a long time. Some people talk easily about their loss but others
keep it inside. We need to be sensitive to their particular needs. When they
want to talk about it, we need to listen and say things at the right time. Some
people need to find things to laugh about and we can help them there too. We
need to be aware of what they need by observing them. If a person needs to be alone,
we should let them. Whatever you do, don’t avoid them and also don’t bring up
the subject. Smiling at them and letting them know you care is the most important
thing you can do. Telling them that you are praying for them can also open the
wound. Just be careful what you say and do. A hug and a smile is the best
medicine. Flowers or a small gift can also say you care without mentioning the
circumstances. If the person doesn’t read a card you gave them don’t get
offended. They may need to read it later and sometimes much later. Be aware of
their needs.

Loss is something we all will go through at some point
in our lives. Be prepared to help someone go through it. I hope someone will be
there for you when you need then at the time of a loss you will go through.

Remember, Jesus loves you and has felt loss as great
as any we will ever fell. I love you too!

Memorize: Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.